Back injury warnings

5 signs it’s more than just pain

If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The following are telltale signs that your back pain may be more than a passing problem:

Severe lower back pain following a fall or recent trauma such as a car accident. According to Dr. Patricia Tsung at Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Service Area, pain after such trauma could be the result of a fracture of your spine from the recent trauma.

Loss of urinary or bowel control. According to the Mayo Clinic, incontinence could be a symptom of cauda equina syndrome. This disorder is caused when the spinal nerves that control the ability to urinate or have bowel movements are being pinched. If not properly treated, it could result in paralysis, permanent loss of bladder control or loss of sensation in your legs. Treatment options included physical therapy and surgery.

Progressive weakness or numbness of the legs is another red flag, according Dr. Tsung. Your legs still have their normal strength, but if you experience pain, discomfort or weakness when you move them, this could be a symptom that your spinal nerves are being pinched. Upon diagnosis, a physician has a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

New onset of lower back pain with a history of cancer. Back pain can be a symptom that the cancer has spread or metastasized to your spine. According to the American Cancer Society, back pain could be a sign of colon, rectal or ovarian cancer.

Severe lower back pain with symptoms of infection such as fevers and chills. This could be the result of an infection in the bone, spinal cord or the surrounding soft tissues. According to www.spine-health.com, most such infections are treated successfully with antibiotics, if quickly brought to the attention of a physician.